asparagus

noun

as·​par·​a·​gus ə-ˈsper-ə-gəs 

-ˈspa-rə-

plural asparagus

: any of a genus (Asparagus of the family Asparagaceae, the asparagus family) of Old World perennial plants having much-branched stems, minute scalelike leaves, and narrow usually filiform branchlets that function as leaves

especially : one (A. officinalis) widely cultivated for its edible young shoots

Illustration of asparagus

Examples of asparagus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Close bag, then, using a rolling pin, gently pound asparagus until some pieces are broken up and some remain intact (don’t go too crazy). —Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Apr. 2026

This quick and easy appetizer celebrates spring with fresh and bright seasonal ingredients, such as asparagus, lemon, and mint. —Josh Miller, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2026

In addition to asparagus, alliums also don’t grow well with legume plants, including beans and peas. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2026

Purple asparagus, which makes up just 1% of the crop, turns green in the pan, much like red okra does. —Judy Bart Kancigor, Oc Register, 9 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Latin, asparagus plant, from Greek asparagos; perhaps akin to Greek spargan to swell

First Known Use

1543, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

asparagus

noun

as·​par·​a·​gus ə-ˈspar-ə-gəs 

: a tall branching long-lived herb related to the lilies and widely grown for its thick edible young shoots

Medical Definition

asparagus

noun

as·​par·​a·​gus ə-ˈspar-ə-gəs 

1

capitalized : a genus of Old World perennial herbs (family Asparagaceae, the asparagus family) having erect much-branched stems, minute scalelike leaves, and narrow filiform branchlets that function as leaves

2

a

: any plant of the genus Asparagus

especially : a plant (A. officinalis) widely cultivated for its tender edible young shoots

b

: the root of cultivated asparagus formerly used as a diuretic